1.Meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety total glucosides of paeonia in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus
Xiangyan HAO ; Jiahui LENG ; Zhengqi LIU ; Xinchang WANG ; Cong HUANG ; Xiaopeng LI ; Yi LING
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):232-237
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of total glucosides of paeonia (TGP) in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS Randomized controlled trial (RCT) about TGP combined with western medicine versus western medicine alone for SLE treatment were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang Data, and CBM. The search period spanned from the inception of each database to June 1, 2025. After literature screening, data extraction, and quality assessment of the included studies, Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. RESULTS Fifteen RCTs, involving 1 318 patients, were included. Meta-analysis results showed that compared with western medicine alone, TGP combined with western medicine significantly improved clinical efficacy [OR=4.96, 95%CI(3.41, 7.23), P<0.000 01], complement 3 [MD=0.18, 95%CI (0.13, 0.23), P<0.000 01] and complement 4[MD=0.08, 般021) 95%CI (0.04, 0.11), P<0.000 01], and reduced the levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) [MD=-3.10, 95%CI (-3.59,-2.62), P<0.000 01], IgA [MD=-0.68, 95%CI (-0.78, -0.58), P<0.000 01], IgM [MD=-0.43, 95%CI (-0.53,-0.34), P<0.000 01], systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI) [MD=-1.59, 95%CI (-2.20, -0.99), P<0.000 01], recurrence rate [OR=0.23, 95%CI (0.13, 0.42), P<0.000 01] and the incidence of adverse drug reactions [OR= 0.54, 95%CI (0.36, 0.82), P=0.004]. CONCLUSIONS TGP therapy can improve clinical efficacy of SLE patients, promote the restoration of immunoglobulins and complements, reduce SLEDAI and recurrence rate and has good safety.
2.Association between urinary levels of six per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances in early pregnancy and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus
Ziyi LIU ; Luming YAN ; Tingting JIANG ; Yaling LI ; Chao ZHANG ; Jiahu HAO
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(2):174-181
Background Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can influence gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM); however, current studies on their association are limited and have yielded inconsistent findings. Objective To investigate the association between maternal exposure to PFAS, as measured by urinary concentrations in early pregnancy, and the risk of developing GDM. Methods Based on the Wuhu Birth Cohort in Anhui Province conducted between 2020 and 2023, this study included
3.Analysis of co-occurrence patterns of common mental health issues among college students
YAN Yulin, LUO Miyang, LUO Jiayou, MA Suiyi, LI Jia, CHEN Xi, WANG Feng, LIU Hao
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):379-383
Objective:
The cross sectional study aimed to identify predominant co-occurrence patterns among six common mental health issues in college students, so as to provide empirical basis for designing targeted interventions.
Methods:
From October 2024, a total of 9 837 students from 4 universities in Xiangtan City, Hunan Province, participated in the current study by multistage random cluster sampling method. Participants completed self report measures, including the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 item Scale (GAD-7), Young s Internet Addiction Diagnostic Questionnaire, the Adolescent Insomnia Symptom Self rating Scale, the Ottawa Self injury Inventory, and the Brief Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences Questionnaire. Demographic and co-occurrence characteristics were first compared using Chi square or trend Chi-square tests, followed by application of the Apriori algorithm to mine association rules for primary co-occurrence patterns.
Results:
The detection rate of co-occuring the common mental health issues was 46.44%. The detection rate was significantly higher in female than in male students (50.42%, 43.61%; χ 2=44.46) and in students from rural versus urban areas (47.22%, 44.60%; χ 2=5.67) (both P <0.05). Significant differences were observed among freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors (46.63%, 48.35%, 45.05% , 43.66%, respectively; χ 2=9.22, P <0.05), although no statistically significant trend was detected ( χ 2 trend =3.75, P = 0.05 ). Association rule mining identified “anxiety + depression” “anxiety + psychotic experiences + depression” and “anxiety + sleep disorder + depression” as the combinations with the highest support. In addition, “anxiety+depression+Internet addiction+psychotic experiences =>sleep disorder (>= refered to the occurrence of the latter item under the condition that the former item occurs)” and “anxiety + depression+Internet addiction=>sleep disorder” were combinations with relatively high confidence.
Conclusions
Co-occurrence of these mental health issues among college students is high and exhibits diverse patterns. Strategies to address this burden should prioritize integrated interventions that target these specific combinations of factors.
4.Correlation between liver fibrosis degree and carotid plaque in patients with lean metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease
Shuai ZHANG ; Shoulu JIN ; Wanqing LI ; Xijing SHI ; Hao LIANG ; Hao DONG ; Dailong LU ; Ying ZHU ; Xiaoxing XIANG ; Jun LIU
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(2):319-325
ObjectiveTo investigate the association between noninvasive liver fibrosis markers and carotid plaque (CP) in patients with lean metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), and to provide a basis for screening high-risk populations. MethodsA total of 957 patients with lean MAFLD who underwent physical examination in Subei People’s Hospital from January 2021 to June 2023 was enrolled as the observation cohort, with the presence or absence of CP as the outcome, and fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score (NFS) were used to assess liver fibrosis degree. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups; the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. The multivariate logistic regression analysis, the restricted cubic spline analysis, the receiver operating characteristic curve, and the mediation effect analysis were used to investigate the association between liver fibrosis degree and CP. ResultsThe prevalence rate of CP was 36.6% in the lean MAFLD population. Compared with the non-CP group(n=607), the CP group (n=350) had a significantly higher proportion of male patients, a significantly higher proportion of patients with smoking/diabetes/hypertension, and significantly higher levels of age, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, aspartate aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio, NFS, and FIB-4 index, as well as significantly lower levels of platelet count and albumin (all P<0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that after adjustment for confounding factors, FIB-4 index (odds ratio[OR]=2.979, 95% confidence interval[CI]:2.141 — 4.219, P<0.001) and NFS (OR=1.747, 95%CI: 1.499 — 2.046, P<0.001) were positively correlated with CP. Both FIB-4 index and NFS had a good value in predicting CP. Hypertension had a significant indirect effect on the prevalence rate of CP through its impact on liver fibrosis markers, and its mediating effect accounted for 39.5% — 40.8% of the total effect (P<0.001). ConclusionIn patients with lean MAFLD, NFS and FIB-4 index are significantly positively correlated with the prevalence rate of CP, and they can be used as potential epidemiological predictive indicators. Liver fibrosis markers may play a mediating role in the association between hypertension and CP. Interventions targeting hypertension and liver fibrosis markers may help to prevent and delay the progression of CP.
5.Quality evaluation of Heat-clearing and symptom-relieving formula based on multi-component quantification and screening of marker components
Jiahui CHEN ; Qiong LUO ; Lijun WEI ; Yuewu WANG ; Jun LI ; Chengdong LIU ; Jiajia HAO ; Liwen NIU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(6):740-745
OBJECTIVE To systematically evaluate the quality of the Heat-clearing and symptom-relieving formula and screen potential marker components that influence the quality of the formula. METHODS The contents of 11 components (calycosin-7- O - β -D-glucoside, ononin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, baicalin, baicalein, cryptotanshinone, tanshinone Ⅱ A , tanshinone Ⅰ, senkyunolide A, ferulic acid) in the Heat-clearing and symptom-relieving formula were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Using the contents of the aforementioned components as variables, cluster analysis (CA), principal component analysis (PCA), and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were conducted using OriginPro 2024 software and SIMCA 14.1 software; marker components affecting the quality of the Heat-clearing and symptom-relieving formula were then screened based on the criteria of variable importance in the projection (VIP) value>1 and P <0.05. The comprehensive evaluation of 20 batches of samples was carried out using the entropy weight-technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution(TOPSIS) and grey correlation analysis (GCA) methods. RESULTS The contents of the above 11 components were 7.993-72.866, 4.542-31.228, 727.666-1 901.884, 496.846-1 293.279, 1 995.501-6 779.150, 54.500-241.280, 150.302-304.339, 79.698-189.206, 257.118-682.418, 5.498-21.687, 7.524-26.935 μg/g. CA, PCA and OPLS-DA results showed that 20 batches of samples were grouped into 2 categories. Q1, Q3, Q4, Q7-Q9, Q12, Q15, Q16 were grouped into one category, and the rest were grouped into another category; VIP values of ferulic acid, tanshinone Ⅱ A , baicalin, cryptotanshinone, calycosin-7- O - β -D-glucoside and ononin were all greater than 1 ( P <0.05). Both the entropy weight-TOPSIS and GCA methods showed that the samples ranked in the top 11 according to the euclidean distance and relative correlation degree were Q2, Q5, Q6, Q10, Q11, Q13, Q14, Q17-Q20. CONCLUSIONS The established HPLC-MS/MS method is rapid, accurate and highly sens itive. Combined with chemical pattern recognition analysis, entropy weight-TOPSIS and GCA methods, this method can be used to evaluate the quality of the Heat-clearing and symptom-relieving formula. Ferulic acid, tanshinone Ⅱ A , baicalin, cryptotanshinone, calycosin-7- O - β -D-glucoside and ononin may be the marker components that affect the quality of this formula. The overall quality of 11 batches of the Heat-clearing and symptom-relieving formula, including Q17, is relatively superior.
6.Optimization of osmotic pressure swelling method in the process of hemoglobin extraction from red blood cells
Honghui ZHANG ; Wentao ZHOU ; Shasha HAO ; Hong WANG ; Jiaxin LIU ; Chengmin YANG ; Shen LI ; Fengjuan LI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(1):91-96
[Objective] To extract hemoglobin (Hb) from red blood cells using osmotic pressure swelling method, expected to achieve a hemoglobin dissolution rate of ≥80% and a cell membrane integrity rate of ≥70%. [Methods] Human umbilical cord blood red blood cells were used as raw materials and phosphate buffer solution was used as the swelling solution for red blood cells. A three factor three-level orthogonal experiment (n=3) was conducted to determine the optimal matching conditions for selecting the osmolality molar concentration of phosphate buffer solution, pH value of hypotonic phosphate buffer solution and volume ratio of hypotonic phosphate buffer solution to washed red blood cells. Red blood cell swelling solution samples (n=6) were prepared by the optimal matching conditions and the original process conditions. The hemoglobin dissolution rate and cell membrane integrity rate were checked. In the expanded comparative experiment, red blood cell swelling solution samples (n=6) were prepared by the optimal matching conditions and the original process conditions, which was filtered by ultrafiltration membranes. The filtration time and hemoglobin yield were checked. [Results] The optimal matching conditions for preparing red blood cell swelling solution were obtained through orthogonal experiment as follows: osmotic pressure molar concentration was 30 mOsmol/Kg, pH was 7.8, and phosphate buffer to red blood cell volume ratio was 6∶1. On the basis of the above conditions, the red blood cell swelling solution sample was compared with the original process sample: the hemoglobin dissolution rate was (82.4±1.8)% vs (78.6±3.0)% (P<0.05), and the cell membrane integrity rate was (65.8±4.0)% vs (28.7±2.3)% (P<0.05). In the expanded comparative experiment, the optimal matching conditions were compared with the original process conditions: filtration time(s) (327±9) vs (434±13) (P<0.05), and hemoglobin yield was (72.3±1.2)% vs (66.0±1.4)% (P<0.05). [Conclusion] Compared with the original preparation process, the hemoglobin extraction process which optimized through orthogonal experiments greatly reduces the cell membrane fragmentation rate and minimizes the entry of cell membrane matrix into the target solution, ensuring a slightly higher hemoglobin dissolution rate, and reducing the preparation difficulty for the subsequent cell membrane separation and further purification.
7.Application of single-cell RNA sequencing technology in Parkinson's disease
Ziyu LIU ; Dandan GENG ; Runjiao ZHANG ; Qing LIU ; Yibo LI ; Hongfang WANG ; Wenmeng XIE ; Wenyu WANG ; Jiaxin HAO ; Lei WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(1):193-201
BACKGROUND:Parkinson's disease has the main pathological changes in the midbrain,especially in the dense substantia nigra,leading to impaired motor and non-motor function in patients.At present,research is limited by cellular heterogeneity,and its pathogenesis still needs to be further elucidated.In recent years,single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNA-seq)has gradually been applied in neurodegenerative diseases,which is of great significance for understanding intercellular heterogeneity,disease development mechanisms,and treatment strategies. OBJECTIVE:To review the research progress of scRNA-seq technology applied to Parkinson's disease in recent years,providing a theoretical basis for the application of scRNA-seq in the treatment and diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. METHODS:The first author used a computer system to search for relevant literature in the CNKI,WanFang,PubMed,and Web of Science databases,with the Chinese search terms"single-cell RNA sequencing,Parkinson's disease,cell heterogeneity,cell subtypes,dopaminergic neurons,glial cells"and English search terms"single-cell RNA seq,Parkinson disease,heterogenicity,subtypes,dopaminergic neurons,glial cells."71 articles were ultimately included for review and analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)scRNA-seq is a high-throughput experimental technique that utilizes RNA sequencing at the single-cell level to quantify gene expression profiles in specific cell populations,revealing cellular mysteries at the molecular level.Compared with traditional sequencing techniques,scRNA-seq technology is used to reveal the diversity of cell types and changes in specific gene expression in complex tissues under various physiological and pathological conditions through automatic clustering analysis of cell transcriptome.(2)By using scRNA-seq,the development process of dopaminergic neurons and the unique functional characteristics of various cell subtypes are elucidated,in order to better understand potential therapeutic molecular targets.(3)The use of scRNA-seq analysis has improved our understanding of the response of Parkinson's disease glial cells,enabling us to comprehensively map and characterize different cell type populations,identify specific glial cell subpopulations related to neurodegeneration,and draw valuable single cell maps as reference data for future research.(4)The application of scRNA-seq to detect embryonic mice and stem cells will help improve the in vitro differentiation protocol and quality control of cell therapy,as well as evaluate the overall cell quality and developmental stage of dopaminergic neurons derived from stem cells.
8.Effects of wogonin on joint inflammation in collagen-induced arthritis rats via the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway
Yuru WANG ; Siyuan LI ; Ye XU ; Yumeng ZHANG ; Yang LIU ; Huiqin HAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(5):1026-1035
BACKGROUND:Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease.Many studies have shown that wogonin has a good anti-inflammatory effect on rheumatoid arthritis,but its exact efficacy and specific mechanism of action remain to be clarified. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the mechanism of wogonin ameliorating joint inflammation by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway in rats with collagen-induced arthritis. METHODS:(1)At the animal level:Female Wistar rats were divided into healthy control group,arthritis model group and wogonin treatment group.Rat models of arthritis in the latter two groups were established by subcutaneous injection of bovine type Ⅱ collagen and adjuvant.In the wogonin group,wogonin was given by gavage for 28 consecutive days after modeling.During this period,the rats in each group were weighed,and arthritis score and ankle swelling were measured every 7 days.After the experiment,the pathological changes of the joint were observed,the mRNA and protein levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway GRP78 and CHOP were detected by qRT-PCR,western blot,and immunohistochemistry.(2)At the cellular level,cell counting kit-8 was used to detect the cytotoxic effect of wogonin on fibroblast-like synoviocytes from rats with collagen-induced arthritis.The fibroblast-like synoviocytes induced by thapsigargin were treated with different concentrations of wogonin.The levels of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α in the cell supernatant were detected by ELISA,and the intracellular reactive oxygen species in each group were determined by DCFH-DA probe method.The mRNA and protein levels of GRP78,IRE1α,XBP1s and CHOP were detected by qRT-PCR and western blot,respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the healthy control group,arthritis index score and ankle swelling degree in the arthritis model group were increased(P<0.01),synovial hyperplasia,inflammatory cell infiltration,cartilage destruction and bone erosion were observed in pathological sections,and the mRNA and protein expressions of GRP78 and CHOP in the ankle were significantly increased(P<0.01),which were mainly located in synovial tissue and articular surface.Compared with the arthritis model group,the arthritis index score and ankle swelling degree in the wogonin treatment group were decreased(P<0.05),synovial hyperplasia and the number of inflammatory cells were decreased,cartilage destruction and bone erosion were alleviated,the mRNA and protein expression levels of GRP78 and CHOP in the ankle were decreased(P<0.05),particularly in synovial tissue and on the articular surface.There was no significant difference in body mass among the three groups(P>0.05).In the cell experiment,200 μmol/L wogonin significantly reduced the survival rate of fibroblast-like synoviocytes(P<0.01).Compared with the blank control group,the levels of interleukin-1β,tumor necrosis factor-α,content of reactive oxygen species,and mRNA and protein expression of GRP78,IRE1α,XBP1s,and CHOP in the thapsigargin group were significantly increased(P<0.05);compared with the thapsigargin group,50 and 100 μmol/L wogonin significantly reduced the levels of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α in the cell supernatant(P<0.05,P<0.01),and 100 μmol/L wogonin significantly reduced the content of reactive oxygen species(P<0.01)and down-regulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of GRP78,IRE1α,XBP1s and CHOP(all P<0.05).These results suggest that wogonin can effectively alleviate joint inflammatory responses in rats with collagen-induced arthritis,and the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway may be the key target of its intervention.
9.Multiple applications of metal-organic framework materials in bone tissue engineering and orthopedic disease treatment
Yunxiang LIU ; Xiaoyu ZHANG ; Hao LI ; Rong ZHANG ; Liping LI ; Chongwei CHEN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(10):2151-2161
BACKGROUND:Metal-organic frameworks exhibited great potential for bone tissue engineering and bone disease treatment because of its unique merits including tunable porosity,a large specific surface area,good biocompatibility,and easy structure modification. OBJECTIVE:To review the advancements,application,strengths,and weaknesses of metal-organic framework materials in bone repair,arthritis,bone infection,and bone tumors,offering guidance and strategies for future research. METHODS:Web of Science,PubMed,and CNKI databases were searched using Chinese and English keywords"metal-organic frameworks,MOFs,orthopedics,bone repair,bone regeneration,orthopaedic applications,bone tissue engineering,bone infection,arthritis,bone tumor,osteosarcoma"for related literature published from 2015 to 2023.Following initial screening based on inclusion and exclusion criteria,72 articles were finally included for review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)During bone repair,metal ions of metal-organic frameworks can induce bone formation by activating specific signaling pathways,which include stimulating osteogenic gene expression,inhibiting osteoclasts,encouraging blood vessel formation,and speeding up bone mineralization.Hence,metal-organic frameworks with metals like calcium,strontium,cobalt,copper,and magnesium ions show significant potential in enhancing bone implant performance.(2)Metal-organic framework materials,especially zinc/cobalt-based metal-organic frameworks,exhibit enzyme-like activities and promote cartilage regeneration by scavenging reactive oxygen species.Compared with natural enzymes,it has the advantages of not easy inactivation and better stability.(3)Zinc-based metal-organic framework materials characterized with wide band gaps,efficient separation and migration of photogenerated carriers,and high stability,the enhancement of photocatalytic activity results from enhancing the excited electron-hole widely used for the eradication of bacteria and tumor cells.(4)Bimetallic metal-organic frameworks,the doping of additional metals,showed critical advantages in optimizing structural performance,such as zinc/magnesium-based metal-organic framework 74 offering increased stability for durable antibacterial activity,and the light absorption capacity and photocatalytic efficiency of tantalum/zirconium-based metal-organic framework greatly improved and thus enhancing the radiation therapy.(5)However,metal-organic framework materials still face challenges in clinical applications,such as the uncertainty of drug release,in vivo safety,and potential immune responses from long-term presence.
10.Panax notoginseng saponins regulate differential miRNA expression in osteoclast exosomes and inhibit ferroptosis in osteoblasts
Hongcheng TAO ; Ping ZENG ; Jinfu LIU ; Zhao TIAN ; Qiang DING ; Chaohui LI ; Jianjie WEI ; Hao LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(19):4011-4021
BACKGROUND:Steroid-induced femoral head necrosis is mostly caused by long-term and extensive use of hormones,but its specific pathogenesis is not yet clear and needs further study. OBJECTIVE:To screen out the differential miRNAs in osteoclast exosomes after the intervention of Panax notoginseng saponins,and on this basis,to further construct an osteogenic-related ferroptosis regulatory network to explore the potential mechanism and research direction of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head. METHODS:MTT assay was used to detect the toxic effects of different concentrations of dexamethasone and different mass concentrations of Panax notoginseng saponins on Raw264.7 cell line.Tartrate resistant acid phosphatase staining and TUNEL assay were used to detect the effects of Panax notoginseng saponins on osteoclast inhibition and apoptosis.Exosomes were extracted from cultured osteoclasts with Panax notoginseng saponins intervention.Exosomes from different groups were sequenced to identify differentially expressed miRNAs.CytoScape 3.9.1 was used to construct and visualize the regulatory network between differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs.Candidate mRNAs were screened by GO analysis and KEGG analysis.Finally,the differential genes related to ferroptosis were screened out,and the regulatory network of ferroptosis-related genes was constructed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The concentration of dexamethasone(0.1 μmol/L)and Panax notoginseng saponins(1 736.85 μg/mL)suitable for intervention of Raw264.7 cells was determined by MTT assay.(2)Panax notoginseng saponins had an inhibitory effect on osteoclasts and could promote their apoptosis.(3)Totally 20 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified from osteoclast-derived exosome samples,and 11 differentially expressed miRNAs related to osteogenesis were predicted by target mRNAs.The regulatory networks of 4 up-regulated differentially expressed miRNAs corresponding to 155 down-regulated candidate mRNAs and 7 down-regulated differentially expressed miRNAs corresponding to 238 up-regulated candidate mRNAs were constructed.(4)Twenty-four genes related to ferroptosis were screened out from the differential genes.Finally,12 networks were constructed(miR-98-5p/PTGS2,miR-23b-3p/PTGS2,miR-425-5p/TFRC,miR-133a-3p/TFRC,miR-185-5p/TFRC,miR-23b-3p/NFE2L2,miR-23b-3p/LAMP2,miR-98-5p/LAMP2,miR-182-5p/LAMP2,miR-182-5p/TLR4,miR-23b-3p/ZFP36,and miR-182-5p/ZFP36).These results indicate that Panax notoginseng saponins may regulate osteoblast ferroptosis by regulating the expression of miRNAs derived from osteoclast exosomes,thus providing a new idea for the study of the mechanism of steroid-induced femoral head necrosis.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail